BUZZ
The Park Club California ’ s restaurant space
IN THE CLUB
A new members-only club , The Park Club California , is set to open in January 2024 adjacent to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa . Situated at the Center Tower ’ s Garden Level , the club will provide an exclusive social environment for the professional , entrepreneurial , creative and philanthropic communities to connect . Membership signups are still ongoing , but are by invitation only . Designed by Venice-based boutique design agency Studio Collective and operated by BNG Hospitality , the club blends contemporary architectural elements with custom furnishings to create
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Culminating a yearlong , multimillion dollar effort by Burnham-Ward Properties , the historic Mariners Medical Arts Building on Westcliff Drive — designed by master architect Richard Neutra in 1963 — has been renovated and the structure ’ s midcentury modern features are now fully restored to their original grandeur . The property owners were committed to preserving this piece of architectural history , using old photos and original construction drawings as well as working with Chattel Inc ., a historic preservation consultant . Several features were restored , including three water features that had been removed by prior owners in the 1970s . Attention to detail
an inviting ambience . Reflecting its proximity to the Segerstrom campus with the Orange County Museum of Art and several theaters , the club ’ s entrance features a curated gallery of rotating exhibits featuring works by Southern California artists . Inside , the club offers eight unique spaces only available to members for gatherings from intimate meetings to large-scale special events . The club ’ s Monet Restaurant , which will serve elevated coastal California cuisine , features designs inspired by the impressionist painter it ’ s named after and includes a performance space for live entertainment during dinner . Meanwhile , the Palm Bar will serve craft cocktails and a noteworthy collection of wine and spirits . The restaurant , bar and event spaces open to the Garden Terrace . In addition to offering daily breakfast , lunch and dinner service , the club also plans a full calendar of member programs and activities such as pre- and post-theater socials , wine dinners , art receptions and seasonal gatherings . Members will also have access to BNG Hospitality ’ s reciprocal network of more than 70 clubs plus full benefits of the Palmer Advantage , which provides access to many private golf and country clubs across the U . S . and around the world . ( 949-868-6511 ; parkclubca . com ) — S . S .
The historic , midcentury modern Mariners Medical Arts Building designed by Richard Neutra has been renovated and restored by Burnham-Ward Properties .
was key throughout the restoration while the team also added modernizations like ADA accessibility and environmental improvements such as drought-tolerant plants and LED lighting . Neutra has long been recognized as one of the preeminent modern American architects of the 20th century , receiving global acclaim as early as 1932 , when his work was included in the International Style exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York . ( 949-760-9150 ; burnham-ward . com ) — S . S .
BALBOA MEMORIES
Richard Remy ( center ), who later died after turning 100 , being interviewed for the Balboa Island Legacy Project
In an effort to preserve pieces of local history , the Balboa Island Museum continues to seek people to share their memories and personal observations from years past for the Balboa Island Legacy Project . These recollections are being gathered through oral history interviews to illuminate the history of Balboa Island and its surrounding communities . Videos of past interviews with present and former residents and those who have spent time on the island may be watched on the museum ’ s website . To be interviewed , email info @ balboaislandmuseum . org or call 949-675-3952 .
A few exhibits are also currently on display at the museum , one featuring art by Barbara Abbott through early January and another about Laura Scudder of her eponymous potato chip brand ; one of her grandsons lives on the island . Many have fond memories of opening their school lunchbox to find a bag of Laura Scudder ’ s potato chips , marketed as “ the noisiest chips in the world .” Scudder revolutionized the way chips were packaged and sold : She created the first sealed bags of these crunchy treats in 1926 in Monterey Park , California , allowing them to stay fresh longer . Scudder ’ s grandchildren John Scudder , a Balboa Island resident , and Craig Scudder have shared family artifacts for the exhibit , which has no end date yet .
The museum also offers an ongoing scavenger hunt for all ages . Once a participant finds the answers among the museum ’ s exhibits , they may bring them to the front desk for a prize . ( 949-675- 3952 ; balboaislandmuseum . org ) — S . S .
TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF THE PARK CLUB ; BOTTOM : BENNY CHAN / FOTOWORKS 2023
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